Opiate Blockers

What Is an Opiate Blocker Shot or Pill, and How Can Opioid Blockers Aid Recovery? | Get Help Now: Call 24/7

When a patient is in pain, doctors look to prescriptions to make the situation more manageable. Medications like hydrocodone and oxycodone deal with the pain receptors in the brain, helping patients to feel more comfortable. Unfortunately, these medications have a downside: In some cases, taking helpful medication turns into an addiction. While a variety of treatment options are available, many substance abusers are finding that opiate blockers can be a powerful tool in their recovery arsenal.

What Does an Opiate Blocker Do?

An opioid blocker can be used in two ways. These medications can be used to reverse the effects of opioid medication in emergency situations. If a person is suspected of having overdosed, they can be given a shot that immediately begins to counteract some of the severe effects of opioids. Another type of blocker helps individuals who have gone through the detox process and want to continue down the path to recovery successfully. In both cases, an opioid blocker can be beneficial to a person’s treatment and recovery.

Naloxone: The Opiate Blocker Shot

If an overdose is suspected, board-certified medical personnel may turn to an opiate blocker shot to save a user’s life. Signs of an overdose include slower breathing or heartbeat, small pupils, or unresponsiveness. The injection is made into the muscle or, in some cases, into an IV and may also be used by professionals to determine if an overdose is the cause of a patient’s physical symptoms.

Naltrexone: The Opiate Blocker Pill

While not used in cases of emergency, an opiate blocker pill can still be a lifesaver for an addict. To help prevent relapses, the medication is taken in conjunction with counseling and other treatment options within an accredited facility. It can be taken as a pill daily or given as an injection once a month. The detox process must be complete before beginning Naltrexone. This medication can also be used to help those struggling with alcohol abuse in a similar manner.

Could You Benefit From This Form of Treatment?

If you’re battling substance abuse, there are multiple treatment options available to you. Before you get any type of medication, it’s important to meet with professionals who have experience with opioid addicts. Knowing what you’re addicted to, how long you’ve been using, and any underlying issues that may affect the situation can help ensure that you get the best possible care. While being monitored by a physician, you can continue to participate in programs that don’t just help you deal with the immediate problem but also help you make long-term changes that will completely transform your life.

If you’re struggling with opioids, it’s time to get help. WhiteSands Treatment Center offers medically assisted detox treatment to help you get through withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment. From there, our medical team will work to come up with a customized treatment plan with multiple options to choose from. We understand that walking away from drugs isn’t easy, and our specialists will be here for you every step of the way. Call today to get a free clinical assessment and start your recovery.